Mixed fortunes for downhill brothers

HAMILTON BROTHERS RACING: The Hamilton brothers, Connor, left, and Louis. PHOTO/ GRAEME MURRAY 270614HAMILTON

No one can accuse downhill mountain bike team selector Dave Hamilton of favouritism - not unless it's one son over another.

Hamilton is chief selector on the panel of three to choose the downhill team for this September's UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. His younger son Connor, 17 is in the Under 19 squad, but older son Louis, 19, didn't make the grade.

"I've not told him!" Hamilton said. "I've not told either of them, I've left that up to Bike NZ."

Hamilton said the three selectors picked their squads independently. He said they were unanimous in their decisions, which made their role as a panel an easier one.

"On performance Connor has shown he's got it. Louis, before he went overseas, knew that he needed some good UCI races. He's not had a good season. I know his training has been better but his results haven't shown that.

"I think they'll be pleased - they've both got their tickets to Norway anyway. Before they went we said that Louis might not make it but he said that Connor has supported him and if that was the case then he would support Connor. This is massive for Connor. Louis did it all blind but Connor has seen what he's done."

He said it was likely that Louis would end up being an extra support to team manager Sam Thompson, who is also the physical conditioner at Waiariki Academy of Sport.

"Louis can prepare Connor for what to expect, I'm sure he will be getting involved at a support level."

Also picked for the worlds downhill team are Rotorua Keegan Williams and Kawerau's Matt Walker.

The Hamilton brothers are already overseas taking part in World Cup races and other downhill events. They are based in Bradford with family.

"I'm envious," said their dad, who is busy organising next month's Descend Rotorua Dawn to Dusk race to fundraise for the city's world championship riders.